Opening Shot

As we wind down another great golf season, both professionally and for all of us who simply can’t get enough of the game, let’s raise a glass to Rory McIlroy, fittingly crowned FedEx champ after his six-shot, come from behind victory over Scottie Scheffler at East Lake Country Club.

The Northern Ireland native has grown from a teen into a man right before the world’s eyes and stands firmly in place as the figurehead of the PGA Tour. Snake bitten more than once in his long career and outplayed by Cameron Smith at the Open Championship this season, Rory had already set a record for his combined low score in the four majors this year before his triumph and $18 million windfall on August 28.

As to this final 2022 issue of GOLFChicago, we take you to Wisconsin for more news about all the great things they’re doing at Sand Hills Resort. I will take you even more north and west to Spokane, Wash., the second largest city in the state and home to some great golf. Better yet, just a stone’s throw away is the beautiful resort community of Coeur d’Alene, Ida., home to two of the country’s top public courses which fly well under the “bucket list” radar but are well worth the trip.

Our Sweet Home Chicago department shares news from the world of golf right here in our own backyard including Bryan Liston, a Niles West High School graduate and accomplished Illinois Special Olympic golfer who has turned his passion for searching for golf balls into a business.

Pine Meadow Golf Club instructor Jon Reese shares his short game expertise in our instruction department and describes wrist hinge, or lack thereof, and how it is very important when identifying the trajectory of your shots around the green.

Our Good Stuff runs the gamut of everything fun that makes our game great, from portable speakers, to drivers, to cold brew and more. Special releases from Scotty Cameron and an exciting new short game iron from Ping looks to take us back to the future when it comes to chipping.

Lastly, our Final Putt gets real when it comes to how good our beloved Chicago Bears will be this year but offers the bright side to this year’s NFL campaign by highlighting the best courses en route to Green Bay and Minneapolis. So, it’s road trip time to see some not-so-great football but enjoying some great golf during what I consider the best time of the year.

I can’t remember a season when the weather has been as tremendous as its been this summer and let’s hope that continues well into October and beyond so that the clubs can continue to stay in our trunks as long as possible.